TUSCALOOSA, Alabama -- Beat Auburn, Beat Hunger is set to launch its 20th year Monday, Oct. 14 with a kickoff event at the University of Alabama's Ferguson Plaza.

The annual program, which pits Auburn University and UA against each other in collecting for local food banks, has donated nearly 2 million pounds of food since 1994, according to a UA press release.

The competition, which begins Oct. 14, runs until the Iron Bowl in November, when the total collections are weighed and the winner is announced.

Auburn is the reigning champion of the competition, beating Alabama 11 years out of the past 19.

Last year, UA collected 266,737 pounds of food to Auburn's 273,650. According to the release, UA's Community Service Center has set a goal of 275,000 pounds for the 20th anniversary year.

Throughout the program, collection barrels are placed around campus and Tuscaloosa for nonperishable food items, and monetary donations are accepted at Bama Dining locations, by texting BAMA or BABH to 27722 and online at beatauburnbeathunger.ua.edu.